Root Bark Powder Research Articles

Aktivitas Antirayap Kulit Batang dan Akar Tumbuhan Kokosan (Lansium domesticum cv Kokossan) Terhadap Rayap Tanah (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren)

Kokosan (Lansium domesticum cv Kokossan) is one of the Meliaceae family plants known to produce various compounds with various activities. The Meliaceae family is known to have fruit seeds with a bitter taste that can be utilized as an antifeedant in insects. However, research on the bioactivity and content of secondary metabolites in the roots and bark of kokosan as termiticides against subterranean termites has never been reported. This study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolite compounds and test the anti-termite activity of extracts and fractions of kokosan root and stem bark against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren termites. Root and stem bark powder were macerated separately using methanol solvent and then fractionated to obtain n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions (residue). Each extract and fraction was fed to termites through cellulose paper at a concentration of 5% for 3 days. Based on the results of phytochemical tests on extracts and fractions from the roots and bark of kokosan, it is known to contain alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, and phenolic compound groups. The results of the anti-termite activity test are based on the percentage mortality value obtained by the methanol extract of the most active root with a value of 97.2% and paper weight loss of only 6.92%. In the ethyl acetate fraction of the roots, mortality was 84.4% and paper weight loss was 2.38%, and the n-hexane fraction of the stem bark showed mortality of 87.6% and paper weight loss of 2.20%. The kokosan root obtained has the most active activity against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren.

Acosmium dasycarpum (Vog.) Yakovlev root bark reduces obesity induced by hypercaloric diet in mice

• Acosmium dasycarpum improved metabolic syndrome. • Acosmium dasycarpum root bark significantly reduces triglycerides. • Acosmium dasycarpum has a beneficial effect on weight reduction and adiposity. Acosmium dasycarpum (Vog.) Yakovlev, is a Brazilian medicinal plant, belonging to the Fabaceae family known as "Unha D'anta", exclusively found in the Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) region, and has already shown tranquilizing, hypotensive, antineoplastic and antiseptic activities reported by traditional medicine and scientific evidences. Considering that overweight and obesity are an increasing worldwide health problem, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effect of bark powder and the dichloromethane extract of A. dasycarpum compared to the most abundant bioactive component (lupeol) using an obese mice model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The extracts derived from root bark of A. dasycarpum were characterized (phytochemical screening and GC–MS analysis) and their biological effects tested. After obesity inducement, Swiss male mice were treated with bark root powder or dichloromethane extract or lupeol (all treatments with 10 mg/1000 g/body weight dose) during 14 days. Oral glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, histology, ultrasound imaging and adipogenic genes expression were evaluated. The main results showed that A. dasycarpum root bark powder and dichloromethane extract reduced body weight and adiposity as evidenced by histology and ultrasound imaging. We also verified an improved glycemic and lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides, LDL and increasing HDL. The A. dasycarpum treatment suppressed the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPα), fatty acid translocase (FAT), and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase-1 (SCD-1) adipogenic genes when compared to the obese control group. In conclusion, A. dasycarpum root bark showed a potential to be an accessible adjuvant treatment for obesity.

Efficacy of Petiveria Alliacea (Linneaus) leaf and root bark powder in the control of filariasis vector Culex Quinquefasciatus

BackgroundMosquitoes are vectors of parasitic diseases such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, and dengue fever among others. They are well known as public enemies for their noise nuisance, biting annoyance, sleeplessness, allergic reactions, and diseases transmission during the biting and feeding activities. This then necessitate the search for insecticides of plant origin which are bio-degradable, non-toxic, and readily available for man use.ResultThis study, evaluated the fumigant efficacy of the powder of P. alliacea to control the adult stage of Culex mosquito. Powder of Petiveria alliacea were administered at different dose of (1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g), respectively. Result obtained shows the fumigant effect of the powder were effective with percentage mortality of 18.33–60.00% for the leaf powder and 23.30–71.60% for the root powder within 2 h post-treatment period (P < 0.05). The synergistic effect of the leaf and root powder was also investigated. The lethal dosage (LD50) of the leaf, root, and synergistic effect of leaf and root bark powder required to kill 50% of the adult Culex quinquefasciatus was 3.76 g, 2.86 g, and 2.63 g, respectively. However, 25.06 g, 15.25 g, and 12.94 g of the leaf, root, and leaf and root powder were required to kill 90% (LD90) after a 2-h exposure period.ConclusionThese finding suggested P. alliacea powder could be a good source of insecticide which may be used for the production of biopesticides. The present findings have important implications in the practical control of adult mosquito by using botanical insecticides. These plant powders are easy to prepare, inexpensive, and safe for use in mosquito control.

Phytochemistry and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic root bark extract of Vepris nobilis Mziray (Rutaceae family)

Root bark powder of Vepris nobilis Mziray (family Rutaceae) collected from Mukura Sub-county, Ngora District, Eastern Uganda, about 300 km from the Capital City Kampala was extracted with 70% ethanol. Phytochemical analyses was carried out as well as in vivo anti inflammatory animal tests. The GC–MS analysis identified 37 compounds in the extract including fatty acids (45.08%), sesquiterpenes (40.38%), furaquinoline alkaloids (10.93%), a phenylpropanoid (2.37%) and a triterpenoid (1.31%). Interestingly, it revealed that at 400 and 600 mg of extract / kg of body weight, formalin induced paw oedema in mice was inhibited much better than by 25 mg of Diclofenac sodium /kg body weight. It was concluded that ethanolic root bark extract of V. nobilis has important phytochemicals that need to be evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity as potential lead compounds for anti-inflammatory drug development.

Development and characterization of a superabsorbing hydrogel film containing Ulmus davidiana var. Japonica root bark and pullulan for skin wound healing

Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (UD) has widely been used in Korean traditional medicine for the treatment of various types of diseases including inflammation and skin wounds. The UD root bark powders possess gelling activity with an excellent capacity for absorbing water. This distinct property could make the UD root bark powders to be a great material for manufacturing a gel film specifically for the healing of large and highly exudating wounds (e.g., pressure sores and diabetic ulcers). In this research, we separated the UD root bark powder into 4 different samples based on their sizes and then tested their water absorption capacity and flowability. Based on these results, 75–150 μm sized and below 75 μm sized samples of UD root bark powders were chosen, and UD gel films were prepared. The UD gel films showed good thermal stability and mechanically improved properties compared with pullulan only gel film with excellent swelling capacity and favorable skin adhesiveness. Further, in the animal studies with the skin wound mice model, the UD gel films exhibited significant therapeutic effects on accelerating wound closure and dermal regeneration. Overall, this study demonstrated the applicability of UD root bark powders for hydrogel wound dressing materials, and the potential of UD gel films to be superior wound dressings to currently available ones.

Oak (Quercus aegilops L.) Root Bark Tannins Astringency, Antioxidant Potential, and Use as Functional Tea

Tannins from the root bark of Quercus aegilops L. were extracted in two successive seasons and their astringency score and antioxidant potential were evaluated using bovine serum albumin (BSA) radial diffusion and 2,2- Diphenyl – 1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay methods respectively. The results revealed that the root bark of this oak species contained on average 11.39 %( w/w) tannins as gallic acid, of which about 79% are hydrolyzable ( HT) and 21% condensed (CT) tannins with the former composed mainly of ellagitannins and much fewer gallotannins and free gallic acid. The results also revealed that the crude root bark powder and its purified tannins have astringency scores of 15.8 and 138.98 mg BSA/g respectively. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH assay and expressed as inhibition capacity (IC50) was 149.7 ppm and 19.24 ppm for the crude bark powder and its purified tannins respectively indicating the superior antioxidant potential of these tannins to that of ascorbic acid. The highly-antioxidant functional tea prepared from these tannins was clear and acceptable to tasters.

Ulmus parvifolia Accelerates Skin Wound Healing by Regulating the Expression of MMPs and TGF-β.

Ulmus parvifolia is one of the medicinal plants used traditionally for treatment of wounds. We intended to investigate the wound healing effect of the powder of Ulmus parvifolia (UP) root bark in a mouse wound healing model. We also determined the mechanisms of effects of U. parvifolia in skin and skin wound healing effects using a keratinocyte model. Animal experiments showed that the wound lesions in the mice decreased with 200 mesh U. parvifolia root bark powder and were significantly reduced with treatment by UP, compared with those treated with Ulmus macrocarpa (UM). Results from in vitro experiments also revealed that UP extract promoted the migration of human skin keratinocytes. UP powder treatment upregulated the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 protein and significantly increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β levels. We confirmed that topical administration of the bark powder exerted a significant effect on skin wound healing by upregulating the expression of MMP and transforming growth factor-β. Our study suggests that U. parvifolia may be a potential candidate for skin wound healing including epidermal skin rejuvenation.

Toxicological and Histopathological Effects of Cleistopholis patens Benth Root Bark Powder Used as Cowpea Protectant and Medicine

Toxicological and Histopathological Effects of Cleistopholis patens Benth Root Bark Powder Used as Cowpea Protectant and Medicine

Effectiveness of the Powders of &lt;i&gt;Securidaca longepedunculata &lt;/i&gt; (Fres.) as Bioinsecticides against Cowpea Beetle, &lt;i&gt;Callosobruchus maculatus &lt;/i&gt; (Fab.) (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae)

Insect pests cause a great deal of post-harvest losses of stored food products worldwide and especially in the tropics where food products are usually susceptible to attack by insects between the periods of harvest, storage and consumption. In the present study, powders obtained from different parts of Securidaca longepedunculata (Fres.) (leaf. Stem bark and root bark) were tested against the cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus in the laboratory at ambient tropical conditions of temperature and relative humidity. The powders were applied at 0.0 (control), 0.2, 0.4. 0.6. 0.8 and 1.0 g. Insect mortality was observed for four (days). The result obtained showed that mortality of the insect increased with increased in concentration and exposure time. The powder obtained from the root bark recorded the highest insect mortality of 71.25 % within 96 h of exposure at the highest dosage of 1.0 g this was followed by the stem bark causing 65 % at the same level of concentration. The LD50 revealed the root bark powder to be the most effective as 3.17 % was required to obtain 50% insect mortality within 96 h of application as reflected by the regression probit analysis. The least toxic powder on C. maculatus was leaf powder. It was also observed that the tested powders significantly (P<0.05) reduced oviposition and percentage adult emergence when compared with the control. The results obtained from this research work showed that root bark of S. longepedunculata contains components of higher toxicity potential.

Root bark extracts of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) exhibit anti-diabetic potential by modulating hepatocyte glucose homeostasis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMyrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. is a tropical tree used in African folk medicine, including for diabetes. However, little research has yet been conducted to support this ethnopharmacological use of this plant. The present study sought to determine the antidiabetic potential of root bark extracts through cell-based bioassays of liver and muscle glucose homeostasis. Materials and methodsFour extracts were obtained from crude root bark powder: 1 aqueous (AQ), 2 ethanol (EtOH), 3 alkaloid enriched (Alk) (obtained from methanol extract) and 4 dichloromethane (Dic) extracts. Moreover, extract 2 was further separated into two fractions: 2.1 ethyl acetate (EAc) and 2.2 hexane (Hex). To assess the antidiabetic activity of the plant extracts, inhibition of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), stimulation of glycogen synthase (GS) and modulation of glucose uptake were determined in cultured H4IIE and HepG2 hepatocytes as well as C2C12 myocytes, respectively. Phosphorylation of three kinases, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3) were probed by Western blot. ResultsM. arboreus extracts/fractions did not stimulate glucose uptake in C2C12 cells albeit 2.2 (Hex) fraction showed a mild positive tendency. In contrast, extract 2 and its fractions as well as extract 3 were able to decrease hepatocyte G6Pase activity. Their effect on G6Pase activity involved both Akt and AMPK phosphorylation. No significant correlation was observed between activation of Akt and inhibition of G6Pase (R2 = 0.50 p < 0.14), whereas that between stimulation of AMPK and inhibition of G6Pase was statistically significant (R2 = 0.75 p < 0.05). On the other hand, extract 2, its fraction 2.2 and extract 3 were able to stimulate GS through GSK-3 phosphorylation. A high correlation was observed between the ability of M. arboreus extracts and fractions to phosphorylate GSK-3 and modulate GS activity (R2=0.81 p < 0.01). Extract 2 and its fraction 2.2 together with extract 3 were the only plant products to simultaneously and potently regulate G6Pase and GS, the key players of hepatic glucose homeostasis. ConclusionOverall, these data support the traditional antidiabetic uses of the root bark of M. arboreus.

Suppression of Seed Beetle (&lt;i&gt;Callosobruchus maculatus&lt;/i&gt;) Population with Root Bark Powder of &lt;i&gt;Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides&lt;/i&gt; (Lam.) Waterm. (Rutaceae) on Cowpea (&lt;i&gt;Vigna unguiculata&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Walp

In view of the recently increased interest in developing botanical pesticides as an alternative to synthetic pesticides, this investigation was carried out to examine the insecticidal po tentials of the Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Waterm. (Rutaceae) Root Bark Powder against Seed Beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). The experiment was carried out at ambient temperature of 28±30C and relative humidity of 68±3% in the laboratory. Population suppression activities of Z. zanthoxyloides Root Bark Powder against Seed Beetle was recorded at 5, 7 and 10 g/150 g cowpea grains laid out in completely randomized design replicated four times including the untreated control. Plant products applied at rates greater than 20% of the grain weight would not be economically viable in suppressing the population of insect pests. The root bark powder was applied to assess contact adult mortality, adult emergence, percentage weight loss and percentage grains damaged. Application rates of Z. zanthoxyloides were found to possess insecticidal activity against adult seed beetle. Topical application of the root bark powder caused significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in adult mortality, reduced adult emergence, reduced weight loss of the grains and offered protection of cowpea grains against damage in small scale storage. Highest rate of treatment significantly increased adult mortality of C. maculatus compared to lower rates at 2 DAT. From the results, it could be concluded that the adults of C. maculatus were susceptible to Z. zanthoxyloides root bark powder. On the whole application of the plant material was better than no treatment at all. Such findings would be helpful in promoting research aimed at the development of new agents for C. maculatus control. The plant powder could also, be incorporated in Integrated Pest Management approach against C. maculatus in storage.Keywords: Beetle, Coleoptera, Emergence, Plant Material, Powder, Survival

Pharmacognostic evaluation of leaf and root bark of Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the pharmacognostic characters of an important medicinal plant, Holoptelea integrifolia (H. integrifolia) Roxb. MethodsThe pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of organoleptic, microscopic, macroscopic and fluorescence analysis. ResultsThe characteristic microscopic features of leaves were observed as trichomes, multicellular trichomes, xylem cells, phloem cells, collenchyma, vascular bundles, spongy parenchyma and palisade cells. The characteristic microscopic features of root bark included cork cambium, primary cortex, phloem fibers, medullary rays, endodermis, pericycle and lignified fibers in the transverse section and longitudinal section. The characteristic microscopy of root bark powder showed the presence of cortex cells, sieve tubes, calcium oxalate crystals and lignified fibers. Macroscopic study showed that leaf shape–oval, apex–acute, base–cordate and leaf margin was entire with glabrous surface, bitter taste and characteristic odour. The morphological features of root bark showed deep fissured, rough and firm surface with rhitydome and the periderm parallel to cambium. ConclusionsVarious pharmacognostic characters observed in this study help in the identification and standardization of H. integrifolia.

Phytochemical and biological investigations of Elaeodendron schlechteranum

Aim of the study Elaeodendron schlechteranum (Loes.) Loes. is a shrub or tree belonging to the family Celastraceae. In Tanzania, in addition to ethnopharmacological claims in treating various non-infectious diseases, the root and stem bark powder is applied on septic wounds, and the leaf paste is used for treatment of boils and carbuncles. The aim of this study was to identify the putative active constituents of the plant. Materials and methods Dried and powdered root bark was extracted and subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation, based on antibacterial, antiparasitic and anti-HIV activity. Isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods, and evaluated for biological activity. Results and conclusions Bioassay-guided isolation led to the identification of tingenin B (22β-hydroxytingenone) as the main antibacterial constituent. It was active against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (IC 50 < 0.25 μg/mL). Furthermore, antiparasitic activity was observed against Trypanosoma cruzi (IC 50 < 0.25 μg/mL), Trypanosoma brucei (<0.25 μg/mL), Leishmania infantum (0.51 μg/mL), and Plasmodium falciparum (0.36 μg/mL). Tingenin B was highly cytotoxic to MRC-5 cells (CC 50 0.45 μg/mL), indicating a poor selectivity. Two inactive triterpenes, 3β,29-dihydroxyglutin-5-ene and cangoronine methyl ester were also obtained. Phytochemical investigation of the anti-HIV active fractions led to the isolation and identification of three phenolic compounds, namely 4′- O-methylepigallocatechin, 4′- O-methylgallocatechin, and a new procyanidin dimer, i.e. 4′,4‴-di- O-methyl-prodelphinidin B 4 or 4′- O-methylgallocatechin-(4α → 8)-4′- O-methylepigallocatechin. However, none of these showed anti-HIV activity.

Isolation of Stigmasterol and β-Sitosterol from Methanolic Extract of Root Bark of Calotropis gigantea (Linn)

Aim of this study is to identify and characterize the bioactive principles from the root bark of Calotropis gigantea. It has wide folk medicinal use. For isolation of the compounds, the dried root bark's powder of Calotropis gigantea were subjected to hot extraction and then the crude methanol (MeOH) extract was fractionated with petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate. Two compounds were isolated and purified from petroleum ether fraction of crude methanol extract and the structures were determined as stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol by analysis of physical, chemical and spectral characteristics (1D NMR and mass spectrometry).

In vitro anti-proliferative and antioxidant studies on Devil's Club Oplopanax horridus

Devil's Club, Oplopanax horridus (OH), is a widely used folk medicine in Alaska and British Columbia for treating a variety of ailments including arthritis, fever and diabetes. HPLC profiling shows that numerous compounds are present in the 70% ethanolic extract of OH dry root bark powder. OH extract inhibited K562, HL60, MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 cell growth with the 50% inhibition (IC 50) estimated at 1/2700, 1/1700, 1/500 and 1/2500 dilutions, respectively. Non-cytotoxic concentrations (<IC 50) of OH extract combined with non-cytotoxic concentrations (<IC 50) of camptothecin (CAM) or paclitaxel (PTX) were tested on the tumor cell lines. Of the 19 combinations tested, 9 showed additive or synergistic anti-proliferative effect while the rest showed antagonistic effect. Combination of OH extract at 1/4000 and 1/16,000 dilutions with 0.1 μM of CAM produced additive, anti-proliferative effects on K562 cells, as did 1/2000 and 1/1000 dilutions of OH combined with 2.5 nM of PTX on MCF7, and 1/4000 dilution of OH with 1 nM of PTX on MDA-MB-468 cells. Combination of 1/8000 and 1/4000 dilution of OH with 0.05 μM of CAM showed strong synergistic anti-proliferative effects on HL60 cells. At non-cytotoxic 1/4000 dilution, OH induced 13.1% of HL60 cells to differentiate into granulocytes but had no effect on monocyte/macrophage differentiation. A cell free hydroxyl radical scavenging assay estimated that OH at 1/100, 1/10 and 1/5 dilutions showed activities equivalent to 2.7, 15.7 and 25.6 μM of Trolox, respectively. At non-cytotoxic 1/4000 and 1/2000 dilutions, OH significantly reduced nitric oxide production by lipopolysaccharide activated RAW 264.7 cells ( p < 0.001). Our data show that the ethanolic extract of OH has anti-proliferative on several cancer cell lines, and has strong antioxidant activity.

Potential of Cleisthopholis patens Elliot as a maize protectant against the stored product moth, Plodia Interpunctella (Hubner) (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae)

The root bark powder, stem bark powder and leaves powder of Cleisthopholis patens were tested for their insecticidal activity as a stored product protectant at four different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 g) on the moth, Plodia interpunctella, at ambient tropical storage conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Moth mortality, egg hatchability, adult emergence were used as indices of insecticidal activity. The result obtained shows that the root bark powder was effective at 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 g/20 g of the maize evoking 100% adult moth mortality within 72 h of application. The stem bark powder of C. patens at 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 g/20 g of the maize produced 78 – 100% moth mortality within 72 h of treatment. But the stem bark powder caused 100% adult moth mortality of P. interpunctella at 3.0 g/20 g maize in 96 h post-treatment. The leaf powder was moderately effective against the adult moth at 3.0 g/20 g of the maize grain in evoking 70 – 80% adult mortality within 96 h of treatment. The root and stem bark powder inhibited development of egg to adult at all the concentrations evaluated and therefore prevented adult emergence. However, 2 – 11% adult emergence of P. interpunctella was obtained in the maize grain treated with the leaf powder.

Reduction in Reproductive Fitness of Callosobruchus maculatus F. Exposed to Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Waterm.

ABSTRACT Root bark powder and extracts of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides significantly (t = 0.05) reduced the competitiveness of male cowpea seed bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus F.). Observed pairings involving males exposed to the root bark powder and acetone, hot water and cold water extracts were 0, 16.0, 23.0, and 25.7 percent, respectively. Receptiveness of treated females to courting males was also decreased by exposure to root bark powder and extracts. Constituents in root bark powder, terpenoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and N-ox-ides, significantly reduced ovipositioning by 39.6 to 63.4 percent, adult emergence by 13.9 to 50.2 percent, and seed attack by 69.3 to 92.8. Zanthoxylum zazthoxyloides root bark products have potential as seed protectants against the cowpea seed bruchid.

Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Safrole in Sassafras-Derived Herbal Products

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method was developed for determining safrole in herbal products derived from sassafras (Sassafras albidum), as well as related compounds such as isosafrole and dihydrosafrole. The procedure involves solvent extraction and isolation of analyte by reversed-phase LC with UV detection at 235 nm. Safrole is resolved from related compounds and other sample constituents including thymol, a component of thyme. A linear concentration range of 0.003-0.200 mg/mL was obtained for safrole, isosafrole, and dihydrosafrole. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) were e0.0015 and 0.0051 micrograms/mL for safrole, 0.0018 and 0.0061 micrograms/mL for isosafrole, and 0.0038 and 0.0125 micrograms/mL for dihydrosafrole, respectively. Intraday relative standard deviations (RSDs) for safrole (n = 5) from various samples ranged from 1.30 to 5.39% at analyte levels of 0.01-1.5%. Safrole contents of 26 samples including root bark powder, leaves, oils, tea concentrate, herbal extract tinctures, and herbal powder capsules ranged from < LOD for most leaf samples to 92.4% for an oil. Recoveries of safrole from fortified samples ranged from 83.6% for an oil to 117.2% for a tincture preparation. Safrole contents of 0.09-4.66 mg/cup were found for brewed teas prepared from sassafras root bark powders and tinctures.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Salacia oblonga Wall. and Azima tetracantha Lam.

The anti-inflammatory activity of Salacia oblonga rootbark powder and Azima tetracantha leaf powder was assayed in male albino rats using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema (acute inflammation) and cotton pellet granuloma (chronic inflammation) methods. Both the crude drugs were maximally active at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. In the cotton pellet granuloma assay, these drugs were able to suppress the transudative, exudative and proliferative components of chronic inflammation. Furthermore, these drugs were able to lower the lipid peroxide content of exudate and liver, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in the exudate of cotton pellet granuloma. The increased acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and decreased serum albumin in cotton pellet granulomatous rats were normalised after treatment with these drugs. It is likely that these drugs may exert their activity by antiproliferative, antioxidative and lysosomal membrane stabilization.

Suppression of seed bruchid ( Callosobruchus maculatus F.) development and damage on cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) with Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Waterm. (Rutaceae) root bark powder when compared to neem seed powder and pirimiphos-methyl

Reproduction suppression properties in Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Waterm. (Rutaceae) root bark powder (ZRBP) against the cowpea seed bruchid (CSB), Callosobruchus maculatus F., were evaluated against neem ( Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seed powder (NSP) and pirimiphos-methyl (PM) (Actellic 2% Dust, ICI). At application rates ranging from 0.125 to 3 g per 20 g seed, ZRBP was as effective an oviposition suppressant as PM, due to high contact toxicity to CSB adults, but significantly more effective than NSP. At the rate of 0.25 g per 20 g seed, ZRBP, NSP and PM had nearly 5 months residual effectiveness, preserved seed germinated fairly well (up to 70% germination in ZRBP treated seeds) and had no objectionable taste when cooked.